Well, that didn't take long. Just hours after the changelog for DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX's Android 4.1.2 update was discovered, Motorola has announced on its official blog that the Jelly Bean update is now rolling out to users in phases. As expected, the upgrade includes the usual Jelly Bean features like Google Now, Voice Search and expandable notifications. The changelog that was posted earlier also said that the update will include improved voice and data connectivity, a reduction in 3G and 4G connection drops, improved GSM roaming connectivity and several other enhancements. The changelog shared earlier by Motorola is available at the bottom of this post.
The Jelly Bean update for both the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX is software version 98.72.16.XT912.Verizon.en.US, and as is usually the case with over the air upgrades, this new bundle of software will be going out to users in stages. Owners can try to check for the update manually by going into Settings > About phone > System updates. Interestingly, Verizon has yet to post its official documentation on the update, so for now it's not clear how large this update is. It's likely a big 'un considering everything that's packed into it, though, so you may want to connect to Wi-Fi before downloading it.
Both the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX originally launched with Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread in late 2011, so it's good to see the phones not only still getting update love in early 2013, but also getting bumped up to Android 4.1.2. This update looks to be pretty big for the two RAZRs, with several new Jelly Bean features to try out and bug fixes a plenty. The update is going out in phases, though, so don't fret if it doesn't reach your device today. Once it does hit, be sure to give us a shout in the comments section below. We'll be waiting!
UPDATE: Verizon has also announced the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX's Jelly Bean update, saying that the new software is going out in phases starting March 7 and that it'll be available for manual download within the next week. The update comes in at 338.8MB in size.
New User Interface
- Look and Feel: Updated colors, font, icons, and animations.
New Features
- Google Now: Added feature that generates real-time notifications throughout the day with relevant, contextual information such as weather, traffic, calendar. To access Google Now, press and hold the phone's search key.
Improved Features
- Voice Search: Enhanced Voice Search to recognize questions asked in colloquial language, such as "Do I need an umbrella today?" Some questions may receive a spoken answer, while others will trigger a Google Search.
- Camera: Improved image quality with better contrast and details, and more intuitive Panorama Mode.
- Keyboard: Enhanced dictionaries to be more accurate and relevant and added capability to predict next word in a sequence when typing. Improved text-to-speech capabilities that now work without a data connection.
- Gallery: Added capability to zoom out to filmstrip mode where photos can be deleted by swiping up and down.
- Notifications: Added actions to some notifications that can be taken directly from the notifications shade. Added capability to expand and collapse email and text notifications by pinching fingers, in order to view more or less information.
- Wi-Fi Hotspot: Added capability to support mobile hotspot for improved performance.
- Chrome Browser: New Chrome Browser provides multi-tabbed web surfing with the world's most popular browser.
Fixes
- Quick Office: Resolved random instances of Quick Office closing when reviewing a document.
- Outlook Sync: Faster updates to MS Outlook email & calendar
- 3G & 4G Connectivity: Improved voice and data connectivity quality, reducing instances of losing 3G and 4G services.
- Google Maps: Reduced time needed to access GPS signal.
- Audio Settings: Easier to find and edit Audio Effects settings through the music player.
- Music Playlists: More easily create a music playlist using on-device music player
- Contacts: Contacts will sync more often, eliminating the need to wait for manual or nighttime sync.
- Global Roaming: Improved GSM roaming connectivity for global use.
Changes
- Removed Applications: Social Location, MOTOACTV, MOTOPRINT, Alarm and Timer (replaced by Google Clock), Verizon Video on Demand
- Removed Widgets: My Gallery, My MOTOCAST, My Music, Picture Slideshow, Social Location, Sticky Note, Weather & World Clock
- MOTOCAST® 2.0: MOTOCAST is no longer integrated into MyMusic, Files, and Gallery, and is a stand alone app on the device. It has been enhanced with an easy to understand interface, faster speeds, higher performance and ability to support large content libraries. Will need to re-log into the app using your MOTOCAST ID to continue remote access.
- My Gallery: The My Gallery app has been removed and replaced with a standard Google Gallery app for viewing photos and videos.
- My Music: The My Music app has been removed and replaced with Google Play Music app. Specific setup information can be found in the Android PLAY store.
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